The Big Match Preview: Wycombe vs Morecambe

They did it in 2015 and again in 2017 – now Morecambe will look to put a spanner in the works of a Wanderers promotion push for a third time when they land at Adams Park on Saturday afternoon.

Wycombe needed a win on the penultimate day of both seasons to keep alive their dreams of reaching the third tier but a victory and a draw for Jim Bentley’s men was sufficient to derail those aspirations; memories which will no doubt be used as inspiration for the Shrimps who are seeking a first win in seven matches.

Morecambe’s only win of 2018 came on January 6th and they now sit 22nd in the table peering nervously over their shoulder. However, they’ve conceded fewer goals than many clubs in League 2 – Wycombe included – suggesting most of their matches are tightly contested and could swing either way.

Gareth Ainsworth’s side are on the hunt for a third successive win – an eighth in nine matches since the turn of the year – and will be boosted by a bumper home crowd with many season ticket holders taking advantage of £5 guest tickets.

Not familiar with a matchday at Adams Park? Read our First Time Fans Guide. Team news Gareth Ainsworth has no fresh injury worries, with Sam Saunders, Sido Jombati, Michael Harriman, Scott Kashket, Anthony Stewart and Randell Williams all edging closer to a return.

Morecambe have injury concerns over goalkeeper Barry Roche (calf), Callum Lang (back), Aaron Wildig (ankle) and Niall Maher (calf), though Adam McGurk could be called into the side.

Man in the middleCraig Hicks officiated Wanderers’ 3-2 win over Port Vale near the start of the season, and has shown 111 yellow and four red cards in his 32 matches in total, awarding eight penalties.

TicketsChairboys fans can benefit from a £2 discount when they book before 5pm on Friday; click here for all the details including prices and how to book.

Season ticket holders can bring up to four guests for £5 each; this offer is available on the day, though any pre-booked guest tickets quality for a free programme for the season ticket holder, which can be collected from the hut closest to the entrance gate.

Travel You can travel to the game by bus thanks to the Arriva service, which remains unchanged despite the Handy Cross roadworks. Fans are advised to plan their journeys in advance and allow a little more time to account for any extra traffic around the town.

Arriva operate a matchday service at a standard fare of £3 single or £4 return, irrespective of where passengers join or leave the service. Children aged 11 and under are charged half price (£1.50 single or £2 return).

Where to go Buying tickets for this game - Ticket Office 1 (from 12pm) Collecting pre-booked tickets - collection pod to the right of Ticket Office 1 Ticket enquiries and tickets for away games - Ticket Office 1, window 4 Shop - through the shop doors Hospitality and boardroom guests - through the arch to the reception desk Media - through the arch to the reception desk Players and officials - designated entrance to the right of the shop Scouts - collection pod opposite Ticket Office 1 Staff/deliveries - delivery entrance to the left of the shop Kids zone - the WWSET inflatable target practice will be outside the marquee.

Food and drinkThe bars in the stadium open at 12pm.

Caledonian Suite - home fans only. Mini ale festival in operation. Open at half-time for fans in the Beechdean Stand and terrace, and after the game

Monty's – no away colours. Open after the game

Woodlands - members only. Hot food available.

Honours - VIP hospitality.

Marquee – home and away fans.

All bars show Sky Sports and BT Sport on the TVs around the walls.

Inside the stadium, each stand is serviced by a kiosk serving hot and cold food and drink.

Parklife Nathan McGinley is the cover star while inside there’s a recap of the last two matches, interviews with Adebayo Akinfenwa and Scott Brown, the thoughts of Ian Baker plus a review of Jonny King’s matchday experience at Exeter.

Pick up a copy for £3.50 around the ground.

50/50 matchday drawsThe club operates two matchday draws, giving fans the chance to win a cash prize. Purchase your blue £1 or orange £ tickets from our vendors around the ground to be entered into the draw, where 50% of the takings go into the prize find and the other 50% goes to support club projects.

Report: Wycombe 2-4 Morecambe

Two goals from Ellison and a goal apiece from McGurk and Wilde meant Morecambe take all three points today at Adams Park.

It was an ideal start for Morecambe as they netted inside three minutes. A long throw from Shrimps captain Michael Rose found the head of Adam McGurk, and the back of the net.

After a quarter of an hour, Wycombe’s Luke O’Nien had a chance to equalise as a cross from Tafari Moore was deflected. O’Nien’s header landed straight into the hands of Morecambe’s goalkeeper Barry Roche.

Morecambe doubled their lead through Kevin Ellison. His volley on the right hand side from the corner of the box couldn’t be stopped by Scott Brown. He was subsequently booked for removing his shirt in celebration.

Wycombe had another chance on goal when a corner from Joe Jacobson found Adebayo Akinfenwa, who headed it just wide of the right hand post.

Five minutes before half time, Morecambe tripled their lead through a header from Kevin Ellison; his second of the game.

HT: 0-3

Wycombe started well in the second half and applied pressure. A header from Adebayo Akinfenwa was well saved by Shrimps keeper Roche.

Just as Wycombe looked to be gaining some speed, it was all too simple for Gregg Wylde to finish; a shot from close range gave Morecambe their fourth.

The gaffer opted to switch it up at the hour mark, bringing on Nathan Tyson and Nick Freeman. The addition of Freeman paid off as within minutes of him being on the pitch, he got one back for the Chairboys.

Akinfenwa was faced with another close chance as a Joe Jacobson cross skimmed off of the head of a Morecambe player, but he didn’t quite have enough time to react.

Ten minutes to go and a well taken shot by Nathan Tyson was defended by Morecambe’s Steven Old. Moments later, Tyson was through on goal, but the shot became rushed as he collided with opposing goalkeeper Roche, and his shot went wide.

With just seven minutes of normal time remaining, Luke O’Nien netted his 8th goal of the season so far, giving Wycombe a potential life line.

In stoppage time, Nathan McGinley was faced with a wild kick from Kevin Ellison. Already on a yellow card, the player received no punishment from the referee.

A disappointing loss for the Chairboys; but they are able to bounce back at Adams Park on Tuesday as they face Coventry.

Wanderers are encouraging their season ticket holders to introduce friends to the club by offering guest tickets for just £5 each for the Sky Bet League Two clash against Morecambe at Adams Park on Saturday 24th February (k.o. 3pm).

Gareth Ainsworth’s men have enjoyed a superb run of form on home turf, scoring three goals on six different occasions in the league at Adams Park, helping to fire them into contention for promotion come the end of the season.

Morecambe come to town on the final weekend of February and the Chairboys are hoping for a bumper crowd thanks to this special offer, which applies to all home areas of the ground* and can be claimed when season ticket holders (including half season ticket holders) call the ticket office on 01494 441118 or visit the shop at Adams Park.*And as our way of saying thank you, every season ticket holder who books at least one guest ticket in advance of matchday will be able to obtain a FREE matchday programme from the hut just inside the Adams Park gates*

Please do what you can to recruit friends and family for this game (and more) to show them what a matchday at Wycombe Wanderers is all about!

*Please note you may be required to move from your normal seat to accommodate your guests if there are none available around you.

Standard ticket prices are below - the best way to book is by going online and selecting 'Print At Home', which gives you the option to print your ticket and bring it along with you to gain access. Alternatively, call 01494 441118 or visit the ticket office at Adams Park (10am-5pm, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, or from 10am on home matchdays).

Frank Adams Stand

Beechdean Stand

Origin Family Stand

Terrace

Adult

£22

£22

£17

£15

Senior (over 60)

£19

£19

£15

£13

Young Adult (19-25)

£17

£17

£13

£11

Junior (8-18)

£13

£13

£7

£7

Under 7

£13

£13

FREE

N/A

To book online for the terrace, select 'Best Available' rather than 'Choose Seats'.

Hospitality Book quickly to secure your place with other guests in the Honours Lounge with our matchday hospitality package, or make use of your own private executive box.

Executive box hire - £895 + VAT - Use of your own, private executive box for up to 12 guests - 12 reserved balcony seats to watch the game - One-course meal or buffet (plus option to upgrade to a two or three-course meal) - Sky Sports & BT Sport television - Visit from a player before the game - Reserved car parking - Programmes and teamsheets - Half-time refreshments

Captain's Table - contact for price options - Exclusive use of a suite right by the entrance to the tunnel - Food and drink packages tailored to your needs - Up to 20 guests - Player visits

Bus travelYou can travel to the game by bus thanks to the Arriva service. Arriva operate a matchday service at a standard fare of £3 single or £4 return, irrespective of where passengers join or leave the service. Children aged 11 and under are charged half price (£1.50 single or £2 return).